Hate Networking? Bringing a Buddy Might Change Your Mind

Walking into a room full of unfamiliar people can be intimidating. So, when I was an undergrad at Bentley in the early 2000s, I started bringing a friend to events where I expected I wouldn’t know anyone. I hadn’t heard of the term “networking buddy,” but I did know I felt more confident having a friend in the room. Even if we didn't talk to each other at all, we had a buffer. A wing person. A conversation co-pilot. 

I knew that if I fell flat, someone would be there to pick me up. 

Today, I try to be a resource to help move people forward — including by encouraging others to build a network. It’s not always easy, but here’s how having a networking buddy can help you work a room:  

Double your reach

If you and your networking buddy meet different people, you can loop back and combine networks.   

Boost your self-confidence 

Being accompanied by a friend or mentor can increase self-confidence, which can then impact how others could begin to think of you as a valued peer or colleague.  

Have a cheerleader 

Sometimes people recognize strengths that you may overlook — and it can feel awkward to talk about your accomplishments. It’s helpful to have someone to help promote your best attributes in conversation. 

Maintain accountability 

Having mutual accountability to follow through on networking opportunities is a big plus. The process will become more routine — and easier — as you practice your elevator pitch and follow-up approach.  

Receive real-time feedback 

It’s great to get suggestions about how you come across during your introduction or what you contributed to a conversation. A networking buddy may also help you identify skills to highlight when you follow up with a new connection or areas in which you can improve.  

Owning Your Path and Making a Game Plan 

When teaming up with a networking buddy, one thing to keep in mind is knowing when to go solo. During college, when I would arrive at an event with a friend, we sometimes went our separate ways at some point.    

A lot of times there’s only one job, or someone isn’t interested in talking to more than one person at a time. And sometimes it’s harder to engage in deeper conversations with a group than it would be one-on-one. So it’s important to practice standing on your own two feet — and even better to plan for those scenarios.  

A good approach is to have a “pre-game” talk with your buddy, especially if you know there’s a particular recruiter you want to target for a job. Having a plan can help ensure you work well together while also championing your goals.

The Power of First Impressions 

I’m at a place in my career where networking comes naturally. That’s why I’m so invested in sharing my experience with college students, including members of Coming Full Circle, an on-campus affinity group for Bentley women of color. A college campus is a new space and, for some, it’s far from home. As a first-generation student, I understand a lot of what many students are going through. My goal is that by sharing my story, I can help others feel less alone — and allow more people to see the results.   

Even though it may be awkward or uncomfortable at first, you really have nothing to lose by going out and meeting folks. Getting a phone number. Sitting down for coffee. Because making a great first impression can truly last. Sometimes just one connection can change your life — even if it doesn’t immediately materialize into something. I always encourage folks to take the step forward and see where it takes them.